nsw travel card 2023

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Modern media delivering relevant community news, the regional seniors travel card program is to be extended until the end of 2023.

• Coffs Coast

THE Regional Seniors Travel Card program is to be extended for an additional two years in 2022 and 2023 at a cost of $246 million.

First introduced as a trial in 2020, the program has issued cards to over 660,000 people so far and can be used for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis.

To be eligible for the $250 prepaid Visa card, people must have reached the Age Pension Age, live in a designated regional area and be receiving one of the following-

• The Age Pension through Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

• A Disability Support Pension or a Carer Payment from Services Australia

• A Service Pension issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

• A Disability Pension through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986

• A War Widow(er)’s Pension issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (issued by Services Australia or the Dept of Veterans’ Affairs) are also eligible.

State Treasurer Mr Dominic Perrottet said, “I was initially sceptical about this program, but after the success of the trial I am now a true believer, and I am very pleased to be able to extend that trial now that it has been proven to work, this card makes a difference in the lives of our older regional residents.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Mr Gurmesh Singh noted that the trial program was initiated in Coffs Harbour and that the feedback that he had received indicated that it had had a huge impact on the local community and welcomed the extension of the card.

More information about eligibility and which regional areas are included in this initiative can be found at www.service.nsw.gov.au .

By David TUNE

One thought on “ The Regional Seniors Travel Card program is to be extended until the end of 2023 ”

Keep the Regional Seniors Travel Card going PLEASE as it is a great help to pensioners . Thank You.

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Seniors Travel Card

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Regional Seniors Travel Card extended for two years

More than 300,000 seniors in the regions will benefit from reduced travel costs with the NSW Government committing $246 million to extend the Regional Seniors Travel Card for an additional two years.

The  Regional Seniors Travel Card  is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to ease the burden of travel costs for eligible seniors in rural, regional and remote areas.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said seniors across NSW have benefited from the initial two-year travel card trial, with 337,500 cards issued in 2020 and more than 330,000 cards issued to regional seniors in 2021 so far.

“Living in regional NSW is rewarding in so many ways, but every day we struggle with the tyranny of distance,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This card has made a huge difference to the lives of seniors living in the bush who have fewer transport options than those living in the city, and we’re excited to announce it will be offered again in 2022 and 2023.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the extension and expansion of the Regional Seniors Travel Card is part of several cost saving measures aimed at seniors in the latest State Budget.

“We know the cost of living is a big issue facing seniors and households, which is why the Regional Seniors Travel Card is being offered to even more people,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Increased funding will allow us to extend the card from 2022 to more seniors in the regions, including those eligible for the Age Pension and receiving either a Disability Support Pension or a Carer Payment from Services Australia.”

The Regional Seniors Travel Card can be used for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel, and taxis.

From 2022, eligible applicants will include seniors who have reached the Age Pension age and are receiving:

• The Age Pension through Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• A Disability Support Pension or a Carer Payment from Services Australia
• A Service Pension issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• A Disability Pension through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
• A War Widow(er)’s Pension issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

People who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are also eligible.

The regional boundaries for applicants will remain the same in 2022.

More information about which regional areas are included in this initiative can be found at  Service NSW

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Applications open for 2023 Regional Seniors Travel Card

Seniors living across the Dubbo electorate will save another $250 on travel costs thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Seniors Travel Card.

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging seniors to take advantage of the initiative, which is now in its fourth year.

“This government is cutting the cost of living to make daily life easier thanks to our Regional Seniors Travel Card,” Mr Saunders said.

“The $250 pre-paid Visa card can be used on fuel, taxis, electric charging stations and pre-booked NSW TrainLink regional trains and coaches, helping eligible seniors with the cost of getting from A to B.

“We know how much seniors value this card – it can mean a few extra visits to the grandkids, or make seeing friends locally, getting to the shops, or attending medical appointments much easier.”

Since 2020, more than 26,000 cards have been issued to seniors across the Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional and Narromine Shire local government areas, injecting over $6.5 million into the economy:

• Dubbo Regional: 15,491 cards at a value of $3.9 million
• Mid-Western Regional: 8,293 cards worth over $2 million
• Narromine Shire: 2286 cards worth $571,500

The Regional Seniors Travel Card has injected $196 million into regional economies, with more than one million cards issued across the state since the scheme started in 2020.

Applications are now open and will close on November 30, 2023.

Seniors can apply at www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-regional-seniors-travel-card , by visiting their local Service NSW shopfront or calling 1800 569 070.

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NSW seniors eligible for discount at United petrol stations after suspension of $250 travel card

The NSW government has struck a deal with United petroleum to give seniors a discount on their fuel following the suspension of the $250 regional travel card scheme.

Seniors will be eligible for a 4-cent-per-litre discount at participating United outlets once a day on a maximum of 150 litres.

The scheme differs significantly from the regional travel card where $250 was pre-loaded onto a card that could be used at any petrol station.

New applications for that card were suspended last month but existing cardholders can continue to use their cards until they expire.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the government had invited several companies to offer a seniors discount and United had come back with the best offer.

"This brand new discount has been added to the wealth of seniors card savings to help keep more money in seniors’ pockets and ease price pressure at the pump," she said.

"We know people who are on fixed incomes have real challenges with cost of living so this will certainly assist."

There are around 10 United service stations in the Greater Sydney area.

In order to receive the discount, NSW seniors card and senior savers card members must sign up for a United digital or plastic fuel discount card online.

This card is then scanned at the time of purchase and the 4-cent-per-litre discount is applied.

Last month, the Minns government suspended new applications for the regional seniors travel card program which was introduced under the previous Coalition government.

The card could be used to pay for a range of transport needs including fuel, taxi trips, pre-booked NSW train and bus services and Opal card top ups.

Nationals leader Dugald Saunders says this card represented a far better deal for seniors and the United offer was "laughable".

"Mathematically if you had a car with a 60-litre tank you'd get $2.40 saving if you filled your car from empty. So you'd have to do that 105 times per year twice a week to save more than the $250 you get from the regional travel card."

Mr Saunders called on the government to re-commit to the regional travel card.

"Rather than putting up this silly idea of saving cents per litre at participating stores, let people have what they need."

Anyone with a regional senior travel card can continue to use the pre-loaded money until the card expires.

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• Jun 18, 2021

$250 Regional Seniors Travel Card for Taxis, Trainlink, and Fuel extended for additional two years

Source: NSW Government

More than 300,000 seniors in the regions will benefit from reduced travel costs with the NSW Government committing $246 million to extend the Regional Seniors Travel Card for an additional two years.

The Regional Seniors Travel Card is a $250 prepaid Visa card designed to ease the burden of travel costs for eligible seniors in rural, regional and remote areas.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said seniors across NSW have benefited from the initial two-year travel card trial, with 337,500 cards issued in 2020 and more than 330,000 cards issued to regional seniors in 2021 so far.

“Living in regional NSW is rewarding in so many ways, but every day we struggle with the tyranny of distance,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This card has made a huge difference to the lives of seniors living in the bush who have fewer transport options than those living in the city and we’re excited to announce it will be offered again in 2022 and 2023.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the extension and expansion of the Regional Seniors Travel Card is part of several cost saving measures aimed at seniors in the upcoming State Budget. “We know the cost of living is a big issue facing seniors and households, which is why the Regional Seniors Travel Card is being offered to even more people,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Increased funding will allow us to extend the card from 2022 to more seniors in the regions, including those eligible for the Age Pension and receiving either a Disability Support Pension or a Carer Payment from Services Australia.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Regional Seniors Travel Card has provided a significant boost to businesses across our regions. “Having an extra $250 in their pocket has made it easier for regional seniors to get to the shops and medical appointments and stay connected locally and with friends and family living in other parts of the State. It’s also injected more than $108 million into regional economies, benefitting local taxi operators and fuel stations,” Mr Toole said.

“We’ve been reviewing the schemes that support people with disability and carers to ensure they meet the needs of those in the regions, including investing in community transport and a new smart card for the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme. We know these groups would also like to be eligible for the Regional Seniors Travel Card and we’re pleased to be able to make that happen as part of the next phase of this program.”

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said it was great to see the program continue to expand, after first being trialed in Coffs Harbour.

“Coffs Harbour seniors were the first to try the Regional Seniors Travel Card a year and a half ago and it’s wonderful to see how far the scheme has come since. It’s made a huge impact on our community and I’m glad it is set to continue for two more years,” Mr Singh said.

The Regional Seniors Travel Card can be used for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and Taxis.

From 2022, eligible applicants will include seniors who have reached the Age Pension age and are receiving:

the Age Pension through Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

a Disability Support Pension or a Carer Payment from Services Australia

a Service Pension issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs

a Disability Pension through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986

a War Widow(er)’s Pension issued by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

People who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs are also eligible.

The regional boundaries for applicants will remain the same in 2022.

More information about which regional areas are included in this initiative can be found at Service NSW www.service.nsw.gov.au.

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Regional communities out in force to save the Regional Seniors Travel Card from Labor’s axe

• Regional communities out in force…

Seniors across regional NSW are coming out in force to take a stand against Labor’s plan to axe the Regional Seniors Travel Card.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said thousands of people have signed an online petition to save the card, after the Minns government suspended new applications.

“The Labor Government has completely underestimated how valuable the Regional Seniors Travel Card is to seniors living in regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said.

“This is a major issue for seniors from Tuncurry to Tottenham and Tweed Heads. As I travel across the state seniors are worried the travel card will be cut.

“It is more important than ever that everyone has their say by signing the petition to save the card which has over one million users and has been running successfully for three years.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Labor is looking for any reason to cut funding from regional NSW.

“I am appalled Labor has decided to set its targets on our seniors, who are our most trusted cohort and play an enormous role in our communities,” Mr Farraway said.

“The government has taken the drastic step of suspending all new applications for the Regional Seniors Travel Card and has launched an investigation into how seniors use their cards.

“Only two weeks ago the government announced subsidised travel for seniors using their opal cards in Sydney and in the same breath suspended new applications for the Regional Seniors Travel Card. This is another case of the Minns government prioritising Sydney over regional NSW,” he said.

Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson said seniors in her electorate use their travel cards every day.

“I hear new stories every day from seniors in my electorate about how they use their travel cards and how it has made their lives a little bit easier,” Mrs Thompson said.

“Living on the mid-coast is beautiful but it can be harder for our seniors to travel long distances or simply make it to essential appointments.

“We want to send a message from Myall Lakes to the government that the Regional Seniors Travel Card is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” she said.

To sign the petition to save the Regional Seniors Travel Card, visit: www.savethetravelcard.com.au

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NSW Budget: rebates up – Regional Seniors Travel Card axed

Article published 20 september 2023.

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NSW Budget: rebates up - Regional Seniors Travel Card axed

Regional seniors travel card axed.

WITH the suspension of new applications for the Regional Seniors Travel Card on 7 July this year, it was pretty clear that the card would not survive the budget process, in its current form and maybe not at all.

The presentation of the NSW Budget yesterday confirmed this, or rather, the fine print did. Buried deep in the budget papers (Budget Paper 1, p138) the Regional Seniors Travel Card was allocated a budget of $36 million for the 2023-2024 financial year.

While $36 million is a lot of money, it’s not enough to run the Regional Seniors Travel Card for a year. In 2022–2023, when the card ran without restrictions, it cost the budget $102 million. In its first year of operation in 2021-2022, the card cost $98 million.

The NSW Government told CPSA in a letter that applications for the card had been suspended while Service NSW reviewed it. Cards in circulation were not affected. The reason for the review, the NSW Government told CPSA, was that the card was being used for purchases which had nothing to do with transport, “including tobacco and gambling products”.

Technically, this is where the card is still at. It’s under review and no new applications will be received.

However, CPSA wonders if this is a softly-softly way of axing the card.

The Regional Seniors Travel Card operates like a credit or debit card. This means that all the card management features available to credit and debit cards are available. These include the facility to record what types of purchases are made and the facility to block the card from being used to buy, let’s say, cigarettes and scratchies.

$36 million would be about one-third of the full annual cost of the card to the NSW Budget. Enough to cover purchases made using cards in circulation until they run out, mostly at some point during 2023-2024.

There might be optimists who will assume that the Regional Seniors Travel Card will be started up again in 2024–2025 as part of the 2024-2025 budget process. Their optimism is to be admired.

For all practical purposes, the Regional Seniors Transport Card has been axed, certainly for those people who became newly eligible for one, or whose old card expired on or after 7 July 2023, when applications were suspended.

The NSW Regional Seniors Travel Card has helped older people in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW to stay connected. The loss of this card will be felt keenly by regional seniors who are already struggling to make ends meet as living costs continue to climb.

Energy rebates up

While the Regional Seniors Card is all but gone, CPSA does welcome increases in NSW energy rebates. The Low-Income Household Rebate as well as the Medical Energy Rebate will go from $285 to $350. The Seniors Energy Rebate for self-funded retirees will rise from $200 to $250 and the Life Support Energy Rebate has also received a significant boost from $1,343 to $1,639.

It is currently unclear whether eligible customers living in places which have private ‘embedded’ energy networks will receive a similar increase, or how much that might be.

1,500 more social housing units

Also welcome is the NSW Government’s commitment to providing 1,500 additional social housing dwellings under the $610 million Commonwealth Social Housing Accelerator program.

This number will go nowhere near solving the social housing shortage, but it is more than has been achieved in recent years. A year ago, housing advocacy group Everybody’s Home calculated that constructing 25,000 social homes needed now would cost $12.9 billion.

The percentage of older people who own their own homes is declining and due to an undersupply of social housing, more people over 65 are experiencing housing insecurity in the private rental market.

Rates of homelessness amongst older people, particularly older women, continue to rise. Like many other advocacy organisations and charities, CPSA calls on the NSW Government to commit to resolving the housing crisis in NSW and to commit to building the social and affordable housing needed. This would also enable it to lower the eligibility age for the social housing priority list from 80 to 65.

Read CPSA’s 2023-24 NSW Budget media release here.

For more information please email our media contact at [email protected]

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Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card

Supporting access to education and training in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW. 

About the card

Following a comprehensive expenditure review, the NSW Government has decided to close the Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card trial program. 

Existing cardholders can continue to use their travel card until it expires. The expiry date is printed on the front of your card.

For more information and support with an already active card, refer to Managing your card .

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Regional seniors travel card

Offering eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel. 

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If you hold a NSW/ACT pensioner concession card or a NSW War Widow/er transport concession card, you're entitled to 4 Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year. You can use the vouchers for 2 return or 4 single trips.

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